Double‐crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi

Abstract Estimating the catfish aquaculture production losses that can be attributed to double‐crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) has proved problematic because knowledge of the distribution of cormorants on catfish aquaculture is lacking. We evaluated use versus availability of various prod...

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Main Authors: Brian S. Dorr, Loren W. Burger, Scott C. Barras, Kristina Casscles Godwin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2012-03-01
Series:Wildlife Society Bulletin
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.94
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author Brian S. Dorr
Loren W. Burger
Scott C. Barras
Kristina Casscles Godwin
author_facet Brian S. Dorr
Loren W. Burger
Scott C. Barras
Kristina Casscles Godwin
author_sort Brian S. Dorr
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Estimating the catfish aquaculture production losses that can be attributed to double‐crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) has proved problematic because knowledge of the distribution of cormorants on catfish aquaculture is lacking. We evaluated use versus availability of various production pond types and landscape‐scale factors affecting the distribution of cormorants on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture facilities in Mississippi, USA. Cormorant distribution on aquaculture pond types indicated selection against brood‐fish ponds, neutral selection on fingerling ponds, and selection for food‐fish ponds (n = 29, Chesson's α = 0.19, 0.36, and 0.45, respectively). Modeled and validated correct classification rate (CCR) of general linear mixed models of cormorant occupancy of clusters of catfish ponds indicated seasonality of use and roost distance from aquaculture ponds was predictive (CCR = 81% and 71%, respectively). Modeled and validated ordinal models of levels of use (low, moderate, high) were less predictive (CCR = 67% and 59%, respectively). However, predictability within use levels for the validation data set was mixed, ranging from 0.19 to 0.86. Odds ratios indicate both higher risk of occupancy and levels of use over the period February–April relative to October. Management efforts targeted during this time frame will have the greatest impact in reducing depredation losses. The majority of cormorants occurred on food‐fish ponds. Consequently estimates of economic loss should be revisited and refined based on distributional information provided in this study. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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spelling doaj-art-e64e8a50a9614979856d2ff873e2873f2025-08-20T02:36:31ZengWileyWildlife Society Bulletin2328-55402012-03-01361707710.1002/wsb.94Double‐crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the Yazoo River Basin of MississippiBrian S. Dorr0Loren W. Burger1Scott C. Barras2Kristina Casscles Godwin3United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi Field Station, P.O. Box 6099, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USADepartment of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Box 9690, Mississippi State University, MS 39762‐9690, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, P.O. Box 130, Moseley, VA 23120, USAUnited States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, P.O. Drawer FW, 200 Thompson Hall, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USAAbstract Estimating the catfish aquaculture production losses that can be attributed to double‐crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) has proved problematic because knowledge of the distribution of cormorants on catfish aquaculture is lacking. We evaluated use versus availability of various production pond types and landscape‐scale factors affecting the distribution of cormorants on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture facilities in Mississippi, USA. Cormorant distribution on aquaculture pond types indicated selection against brood‐fish ponds, neutral selection on fingerling ponds, and selection for food‐fish ponds (n = 29, Chesson's α = 0.19, 0.36, and 0.45, respectively). Modeled and validated correct classification rate (CCR) of general linear mixed models of cormorant occupancy of clusters of catfish ponds indicated seasonality of use and roost distance from aquaculture ponds was predictive (CCR = 81% and 71%, respectively). Modeled and validated ordinal models of levels of use (low, moderate, high) were less predictive (CCR = 67% and 59%, respectively). However, predictability within use levels for the validation data set was mixed, ranging from 0.19 to 0.86. Odds ratios indicate both higher risk of occupancy and levels of use over the period February–April relative to October. Management efforts targeted during this time frame will have the greatest impact in reducing depredation losses. The majority of cormorants occurred on food‐fish ponds. Consequently estimates of economic loss should be revisited and refined based on distributional information provided in this study. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.94aquaculturecormorantsdistributionPhalacrocroax aurituspredationselectivity
spellingShingle Brian S. Dorr
Loren W. Burger
Scott C. Barras
Kristina Casscles Godwin
Double‐crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi
Wildlife Society Bulletin
aquaculture
cormorants
distribution
Phalacrocroax auritus
predation
selectivity
title Double‐crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi
title_full Double‐crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi
title_fullStr Double‐crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi
title_full_unstemmed Double‐crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi
title_short Double‐crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi
title_sort double crested cormorant distribution on catfish aquaculture in the yazoo river basin of mississippi
topic aquaculture
cormorants
distribution
Phalacrocroax auritus
predation
selectivity
url https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.94
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